APC Overnight

Frustrated by the marked disparity between the delivery performance of Same-Day couriers and Overnight parcel carriers, a group of independent same-day operators decided to set up an overnight service of their own. They reasoned that, if they could transpose the efficiency benefits of the smaller and more personal same –day firms across to the overnight stage which was dominated by global juggernauts, they could deliver major advantages for clients in terms of punctuality and cost.

That was back in 1994. Since then, the proposition that largely owner-managed enterprises were bound to be more conscientious and competitive than international corporates worried about earning a minimum return on capital employed, has been solidly vindicated.

The original network of 47 same-day operators has since blossomed to the extent that the Alternative Parcels Company (APC) can now rely on a network of 125 member depots, the largest such network in the UK.

This unprecedented coverage means two things. First, there is always going to be a network member firm close to you and second, it enables the service to maintain its unrivalled record of 99.8% average success rate in delivering securely on time.

It stands to reason that a cohesive force of private independent operators is always going to be keener on price and service. It is in each member’s interests to strive for perfection knowing that each depot’s performance is individually monitored and that there is always an enthusiastic waiting list to join what is a truly remarkable success story.

In fact, since it was formed, APC has enjoyed an incredible growth rate of 35% year on year. This alone is testament to the company’s original premise that clients will always gravitate towards a personal stand-alone service allied to a reliable national infrastructure. When you call your local APC member, the likelihood is that you will be talking to an owner – operator whose interests are closely allied to your own.

Many of its competitors are huge impersonal conglomerates – APC is the only one with a truly independently owned network. And when you call APC you get real people, people who care about your parcel and the service you are receiving - not a faceless call centre.

To ensure that high standards are maintained, depot performance is closely monitored and audited by APC Head Office through a variety of means. We can afford to be rigorous – we have a waiting list of suppliers desperate to be part of the success story that is the APC overnight network. Our reputation has been built by the quality of service we deliver. We are determined to make sure it stays that way.